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Tips for slowing down fret sprout on a new SG Standard?

Rutabaga

New member
Joined
Feb 3, 2025
Messages
3
I just noticed that my mostly case-kept 2024 SG standard is developing fret sprout. I can feel the binding being pushed out and have developed a number of cracks in the binding/finish over several fret ends. Made me sick to see it. This guitar is only months old! I know it's winter and the heats been running but I've never experienced fret sprout that came on this quick. I'm working on getting a humidifier, but what can I do in the meantime to slow it down? I see case humidifiers but they're geared toward acoustics. Can I do the damp sponge in a ziplock bag method? Do I put it under the headstock? I don't think there's room anywhere else in the gig bag for one of those.
 

Bob Womack

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 8, 2002
Messages
2,277
Humidify the guitar during the cold, arid months. Fret sprout occurs when the guitar becomes dehydrated and the neck shrinks. The frets remain the same length.

Bob
 

Rutabaga

New member
Joined
Feb 3, 2025
Messages
3
I got the guitar new at the end of May last year. I did treat the board during a string change (the Dunlop brand lemon oil) per directions. I'll do that again to see if it helps. Does anyone else have any experience with a case humidifier? I was thinking about putting a damp sponge in a plastic bag like they do with acoustics but I'd read that some people are concerned that doing that will electrics will corrode the hardware. I won't be able to get a humidifier for a week or so, yet.
 

JASIII

Active member
Joined
Sep 19, 2020
Messages
150
Get the D'Addario humidi packs or the Boveda brand ones, they are the same. Boveda makes them all and rebrands them. I have them in all my cases, they work.
 

Tollywood

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 16, 2022
Messages
439
I run a whole room humidifier around the clock in my music room in the winter.
 

DrewB

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Joined
Jul 15, 2001
Messages
1,477
I was thinking about putting a damp sponge in a plastic bag like they do with acoustics but I'd read that some people are concerned that doing that will electrics will corrode the hardware. I won't be able to get a humidifier for a week or so, yet.

Do that, but just be sure the bag doesn't touch the finish anywhere. I wouldn't bother buying a "real" humidifier; you're accomplishing the same thing this way.
 

Bob Womack

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 8, 2002
Messages
2,277
Do that, but just be sure the bag doesn't touch the finish anywhere. I wouldn't bother buying a "real" humidifier; you're accomplishing the same thing this way.
I wrap my baggies in old washcloths before inserting in the cases. Work great.

Bob
 

Rutabaga

New member
Joined
Feb 3, 2025
Messages
3
Going to do that right now. I'll put it under the headstock.... I think it's the only place in the case I can get away without touching the guitar anywhere. I appreciate the responses!
 

JASIII

Active member
Joined
Sep 19, 2020
Messages
150
Putting damp anything in your case is asking for trouble. Just get the Humidipaks, that's what they're made for.
 
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